Learn what types of landlord retaliation are illegal in New York.

New York state law (N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 223-b) prohibits
landlords from retaliating against tenants.

Tenant Rights Protected Against Landlord Retaliation in New York

It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against a tenant in New
York who has exercised a legal right, including:

complaining to the landlord about unsafe or
illegal living conditions

complaining to a government agency, such as a
building or health inspector, about unsafe or illegal living conditions

assembling and presenting your views
collectively—for example, by joining or organizing a tenant union, or

exercising a legal right allowed by your state
or local law, such as withholding the rent for an uninhabitable unit.

Types of Retaliation That Are Against State Law

The kinds of retaliatory acts covered by New York law include
terminating a tenancy or filing an eviction lawsuit; increasing the rent; or
decreasing services, such as locking the laundry room. New York state law
presumes retaliation if the landlord acts in these types of negative ways
within six months of the date that a tenant has exercised a legal right, such
as complaining to the landlord about an unsafe heater in the apartment.

New York State and Local Law on Landlord Retaliation

Also, check your local housing ordinances, particularly if
you are covered by rent stabilization or rent regulation, for any city or
county rules that protect tenants from landlord retaliation. To find yours,
call your mayor or city manager’s office or check your city or county website.